BEN LILLY
Closed due to the Hummingbird Fire emergency closure order issued April 25, 2026. The closure has no specified end date and will remain in effect until rescinded. Stage 1 fire restrictions are also in effect forest-wide through September 30, 2026.
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Catwalk Recreation Area Temporary Closure (Flooding)
For public safety, a portion of Whitewater Trail #207.1 is closed until further notice due to recent flooding along Whitewater Creek.
FR 141 construction road closure near Reserve
As of Sept. 23, 2026, there is a closure order in place along FSR 141 near Reserve. This closure will be in effect intermittently, mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) as needed by the contractor, and as needed for unforeseen events where closure of the road is necessary to protect public health and…
About
Ben Lilly Campground sits at 8,012 feet elevation in the rugged backcountry of the Gila National Forest, making it an ideal escape from summer heat. The campground is named after Ben Lilly, a legendary hunter and outdoorsman who spent years in these mountains hunting mountain lions and bears in the early 1900s. The site is located along Willow Creek, about 2 miles upstream from Willow Creek Campground. This primitive campground offers vault toilets and picnic tables but has no potable water or trash service. Campers must bring all drinking water and pack out all garbage. The nearest potable water is at Snow Lake Campground, and Reserve is the closest town with full amenities. All sites are first-come first-served with no fees and a 14-day stay limit. Access is via NM Highway 435 south from Reserve to Forest Road 141 for about 34 miles, then south on Forest Road 28 to Willow Creek, and finally 2 miles on Forest Road 507. While generally open year-round, road access may become difficult or impossible during heavy snow or spring thaw. Forest Road 141 is paved but has many potholes.
Directions
From Reserve, follow NM Highway 435 south to Forest Road 141 for about 34 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 28 and follow it to its end at Willow Creek. Continue on Forest Road 507 past Willow Creek Campground approximately 2 miles upstream along Willow Creek to Ben Lilly Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 533-6232 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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